Student Arrested After Pilot Uniform Found

SF Gate & AP ^ | September 16, 2005

[nicmarlo]

"A waypoint is the latitude and longitude of a significant location."

(had to look that up) I think I'm understanding a bit more what you're saying.

Is the FMS a software program in which you enter your waypoints, and the GPS targets it more precisely? (sorry if I'm sounding dense).

From your earlier post: it could be done in a few keystrokes on the FMS if he had inside knowledge. He wouldn't need knowledge of the other FMS functions. He might have been able to learn the keystrokes from Microsoft Flight Simulator.

Are you saying that shortcut key entries for the FMS would be the only thing necessary to know, not understanding the entire software program in order to make the plane lock on an area and have the altitude, etc., at the correct position/location?

[nicmarlo]

And if my denseness is frustrating you, you don't have to explain. I don't want you to be pulling out your hair. : )

[zipper]

1) yes,

2) yes, with altitude controlled manually as they approach the waypoint.

[nicmarlo]

What I was concerned about while watching this documentary, was the terrorists getting additional tips on how to "perform" their future planned misdeeds better. Unless it has already been determined by Homeland Security that the terrorists have, subsequently to 9/11, acquired this "insider" knowledge and/or understanding of the software program on commercial aircraft.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Rat boy wants to fly, eh? Put him in a C-130, fly over any convenient body of water, and make him take a walk.

[angelsonmyside]

Good catch, there is also another one that was recently arrested here in Memphis


http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1384915/posts


Then several months back there was yet another arrested in Little Rock Arkansas I believe. Little Rock is only 2 1/2 hours away from Memphis.

[Lancey Howard]

Memphis -- A university student from Egypt.... (snip) found a pilot's uniform, chart of Memphis International Airport and a DVD titled "How an Airline Captain Should Look and Act" in his apartment.... (snip) Mahmoud Maawad, 29.... (snip) is awaiting trial on charges of wire fraud and fraudulent use of a Social Security number.... (snip) Maawad, who is in the United States illegally....

Isn't it amazing what kind of information a headline like "Student Arrested After Pilot Uniform Found" can leave out? Starting with the "student" being 29 years old, an illegal alien, and an Egyptian?

[strategofr]

"This guy is either crazy or had a plan of terrorism to execute."

Both, in this case.

[Recon Dad]

I knew I made a mistake the minute I wrote that.

On a serious note, every school should be made to monthly check the foreign students. Are they attending? Are they legal? Are they who they say they are?

[MarMema]

That's one fascinating link. Reminiscent of the Copt family murders....did you notice a Copt (Christian) posted and a post to him soon after asked for his phone number after telling him he was on the wrong path?

[varon]

"My school is everything. I stay in this country for seven years; I stay for the school," he said.

This is one smart Egyptian; in his seventh year of a four year degree ;-)

[ariamne]

Scary. He got caught only because he was too stupid to pay for the airline industry stuff. What about the Mohammads/Khalids/Ahmeds who DID pay their bills?

[EGPWS]

As far as the FMS (I don't know what that is), I do remember a pilot, I believe, saying that the terrorists had not figured out the GPS system (I thought that's what he said....is that related to the FMS?

FMS=Flight Management System and the navigational aids including the GPS are run through the FMS.

The FMS has a user interface control head to program flight itinerary for flight display, navigation, and auto flight control.

As far as the controls getting more sensitive at higher speeds, there is also flight aids that counter this also. When achieving a speed where sensitivity is an issue the flight controls in the cockpit (flight deck to those PC'ers) automatically stiffen up to prevent over control at such speeds.

[EGPWS]

I respectfully disagree with EPGWS-- it could be done in a few keystrokes on the FMS if he had inside knowledge.

Apparently he didn't however for he couldn't even shut off the auto pilot disconnect horn which is a simple push of a button on the control yoke.

[nicmarlo]

ty, again.

The FMS has a user interface control head...

Is this the part of the FMS that the documentary said the terrorists lacked knowledge?

[EGPWS]

Are you saying that shortcut key entries for the FMS would be the only thing necessary to know, not understanding the entire software program in order to make the plane lock on an area and have the altitude, etc., at the correct position/location?

I would disagree with this myself. There are short cut keys for direct point to point (DTO) navigation, however it still requires knowledge of way point identifiers, I.E. KMSP=Minneapolis international, and also requires knowledge of the VNAV system within the FMS and the Air Data Systems to program descents, climbs, and altitude hold along with preprogrammed altitude changes. These changes can be set up via rate of climb or by constant air speed setting. All this of course requires a heading (compass, GPS,INS, or VOR)input and this too has to be programmed.

Just to understand computers, would give one the knowledge just to be dangerous. (no pun intended)

[EGPWS]

Is this the part of the FMS that the documentary said the terrorists lacked knowledge?

It was brought up as one of them yes.

I'm actively trying to not place any more knowledge into the realm that was in the documentary or is common knowledge for after all, I wouldn't want to be one to give more information to anyone who may have similar ideas as these other maniacs. (loose lips sink ships) ; )

[nicmarlo]

If one did away with pre-programming/use of computer assistance, how difficult would it be to do everything manually, on a commercial plane?

[nicmarlo]

I understand; point taken; then you can ignore my last question. : )